Vision-Protective Carotenoids: The Role of Lutein and Zeaxanthin in Ocular Structure and Their Dietary Natural Sources
Oliwia Kaczmarek
2026-03-18
2 min. read
Vision-Protective Carotenoids: The Role of Lutein and Zeaxanthin in Ocular Structure and Their Dietary Natural Sources
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Lutein and zeaxanthin are biologically active xanthophylls—a subclass of carotenoids—commonly found in vividly pigmented plant tissues. Their presence has also been documented within the retinal layers of the eye, where they serve as critical optical filters, mitigating the damaging effects of high-energy blue light and ultraviolet radiation. Histological studies have demonstrated that their highest accumulation occurs in the central retinal region known as the *macula lutea*, which governs precise central vision and the discrimination of fine spatial details.
Lutein and zeaxanthin properties
Both lutein and zeaxanthin have antioxidant properties, which destroy free radicals produced by ultraviolet radiation. They are particularly dangerous for photoreceptors with high levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids. The risk groups include the elderly, smokers, people with yellow spot degeneration and alcoholics.
Lutein and zeaxanthin are sources
The human body cannot produce lutein and zeaxanthines, so they must be supplied from the outside in the form of food or supplements. The richest sources of lutein include: j armour (39, 55 mg/100 g of product) spinach (11, 94 mg/100g of product), salt (1, 35-2, 92 mg/100 gr of product); p apricot red (2, 20 mg/100 gram of product). b bran (2, 44 mg/100 kg of product.) c leather (2, 12 mg/100 mg of product)) d y y y (2, 12 mg (100 g of products) d ruxel (59 mg/100 G of fruit).